SIHH 2008: Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement Revealed

Girard-Perregaux has revealed a breakthrough new escapement design that employs radically new techniques and materials to offer potentially enormous advances in precision and efficiency over existing Swiss lever escapement designs.  The name of the invention pays tribute to Girard-Perregaux founder Constant Girard, who continually dedicated himself to advancing the science and technology of chronometry. Comprised of five individual elements, the heart of the Constant Escapement is an etched silicium blade whose thickness is only slightly greater than a human hair.  The fruit of immensely precise manufacturing techniques and technology, this unique element is able to harness and transmit energy in an unprecedented manner, optimizing amplitude and ensuring a constant rate.

During an April 7th SIHH press conference, Girard-Perregaux stated that it hopes to implement the revolutionary Constant Escapement in a fully functional watch by 2010.